7.—Cromer Theatre was described as a place of entertainment “fashionably attended.” “The house, or rather, barn, which is neatly fitted up, is under the management of Mr. Eldred.”
11.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, “the situation of children employed in sweeping chimnies” was discussed, “and the means of superseding the necessity for such employment by mechanical means” were taken into consideration. A committee was appointed to promote the use of the sweeping apparatus, which, however, was but partially adopted.
16.—Intelligence was received at Norwich of the successful attack on Algiers by the British fleet, under the command of Admiral Lord Exmouth, on August 27th. The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung in celebration of the event.
23.—A silver cup and two drinking horns were rowed for by four-oared boats, the best two heats out of three, from Carrow Bridge to Thorpe and back, distance two and a quarter miles. Five boats competed. The cup was won by the Cytherea (Mr. Joseph Stannard), and the horns by the Friends (Mr. Garland).
OCTOBER.
4.—The third or “grand victory match” was played on Hempton
Green, Fakenham, between the Holt and Aylsham cricket clubs. Aylsham won with seven wickets to spare.
14.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which it was agreed to petition the Legislature to effect a retrenchment of the public expenditure, and a reform of the House of Commons.
17.—The new Concert Room in St. George’s Bridge Street, Norwich, purchased of the proprietors of the Steam Flour Mill, and fitted up by the members of the Hall Concert (a musical society which had existed 30 years) was opened. The room was capable of seating 300 persons.
23.—A pigeon shooting match took place on a field near the Town Close, Norwich, between Mr. Nicholas Bacon, and the Rev. Mr. Pitman, of Oulton. “They fired 21 shots each, but it proved a drawn bet, for they each killed 14 birds. Mr. Pitman brought down his 15th bird, but as it fell two inches beyond the distance allowed, 100 yards, it could not be reckoned. There were many bets depending, which, of course, remained undecided.” (This is the first recorded pigeon match in Norfolk.)